Rare Kerry bog pony to feature in Limerick rural show

Little is known of the origins of the Kerry bog pony, but it is believed to have come from north-western Europe.

The ponies were particularly used in Kerry to carry goods in mountainous areas where roads were non-existent. They were also popular for conservation grazing in difficult terrain that machinery could not access.

Their numbers were not large and declined at the end of 20th century in common with many other breeds.

Increased mechanisation and changes in farming practice meant they were no longer needed in their traditional role

John Mulvihill from Glenbeigh, Kerry, who became aware that these ponies were almost extinct, discovered that only 20 mares and six stallions were known to exist in 1962.

John Flynn, of Weatherbys DNA Laboratory at the Irish Equine Centre, heard Mr Mulvihill talking about the plight of the ponies on the radio.

He became interested and offered to DNA type the surviving ponies to see if they were indeed a distinct breed. As a result of genomic studies, the Kerry bog pony breed is now characterised at genetic level.

Weatherbys continued to DNA type every registered pony, building up an invaluable database of genetic information.

A rare ancient breed with a calm temperament and great powers of endurance, the Kerry bog pony is resistant to many equine diseases. It was officially recognised as a native rare breed by the EU and the Department of Agriculture in 2005.

The Kerry Bog Pony Co-Operative Society, founded that same year, is the responsible authority in all matters concerning conservation, promotion, and welfare of the breed.

Records

It holds the official studbook, and the register is maintained by Horse Sport Ireland. Today, around 450 ponies with about 50 foals are registered each year.

Pedigree records and accumulated genetic information that was collected over the years made it possible to prove scientifically that the ponies were a distinct breed.

Cappamore Show, the venue for the breed’s national championships on Saturday, has classes that range from horses and cattle to cookery and crafts. It was first held in 1954, and is one of the most popular community-based one day events in Munster.

This year’s show will be the 67th. It was cancelled twice because of covid-19 and once during the foot and mouth crisis.

It is one of 122 agricultural shows supported with €1m funding from the Department of Community and Rural Development this year. As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant of €6,000-€11,000 depending on its size.

The funding brings the total allocated to agricultural shows by the department to over €4.3m.

Minister Heather Humphreys said agricultural shows play a vital role in community life and raise awareness of the important role agriculture plays in our society.

“These shows are the threads that build bridges between our towns and villages, and the hinterlands that support them.

“They act as a platform for local producers to showcase their products and have become a key date in the calendar for the farming community, local producers and visitors to engage, share ideas and experience all that is good about life in the country,” she said.

Mrs Humphreys said each show has its own unique offering. She understood that exhibits increased by 15% last year.

“It is great to see the growing interest in these wonderful events," she added.

Entrants travel from neighbouring counties and beyond to compete, as do the many thousands of spectators who have an interest in livestock and the farming way of life 

Mrs Humphreys said these shows would not happen without the ongoing efforts of the show committees, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, and organisations.

“This really demonstrates the importance of communities working together, something that we are so fortunate to have in spades here in rural Ireland, where everyone looks out for each other,” she said.